Mental Health Support Expands Across US, Australia Through Training, Funding Initiatives

Multiple initiatives are underway globally to address mental health challenges through community engagement, training, and support networks. Project Healthy Minds, founded by Phillip Schermer, focuses on destigmatizing mental health among young people, drawing support from notable donors and leveraging cultural influences like rapper Logic's advocacy. The MS Chellamuthu Trust has launched the Speak2us helpline in India, recruiting volunteers fluent in Tamil to provide psychological first aid. In the UK, the Mindful Towns and Villages project trains Wellbeing Champions to recognize early signs of mental health issues and offer immediate community support, fostering stigma-free environments. Rhode Island's Bradley Learning Exchange empowers clergy and other professionals with behavioral health training to better respond to mental health crises, especially youth suicide prevention. In Australia, the Allan Labor Government supports the lived and living experience mental health workforce through The Collective consortium, enhancing professional development and sector-wide capability building.